This is a major milestone and a historic leap for the region’s space ambitions
In a breathtaking moment for the UAE’s space journey, the region’s most advanced Earth observation satellite, MBZ-Sat, roared into the night sky at exactly 11.09 pm UAE time last night.
The UAE already broke huge ground in the last couple of years when Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi became the first person from the country to launch into space.
But this latest launch is a monumental milestone and was carried out aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
This 750-kilogram marvel, designed and built by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai, represents a bold leap forward for the UAE’s rapidly evolving space sector.
Named after the UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, MBZ-Sat stands as a testament to Emirati ingenuity, with its development helmed by local engineers since 2020.
Witnessing history from Dubai
As the satellite ascended into orbit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, joined the electrified atmosphere at the MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre in Dubai.
With every second of the launch, the room echoed with pride, anticipation, and joy, marking a defining moment in the nation’s technological journey.
Breaking new ground
MBZ-Sat is not just a satellite; it’s a game-changer. Equipped with the region’s most powerful high-resolution imaging camera, it can capture details within an area of less than one square meter.
This extraordinary capability makes it a critical tool for environmental monitoring, disaster management, navigation, infrastructure planning, and more.
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Proudly made in the UAE
MBZ-Sat is a triumph of local innovation, with 90 per cent of its mechanical structure and most of its electronic modules made in the UAE.
After undergoing months of intense environmental testing to ensure its resilience in the harsh conditions of space, it now stands as a shining example of the nation’s capabilities.
From its vantage point in orbit, MBZ-Sat will be operated from MBRSC’s state-of-the-art Mission Control Centre in Dubai, solidifying the UAE’s place on the global stage of space exploration.
The dawn of a new space era
This historic launch not only reflects the UAE’s ambitious vision but also sets the stage for even greater achievements.
MBZ-Sat isn’t just a satellite; it’s a beacon of inspiration, innovation, and limitless possibility.
As the UAE continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the stars are truly no longer out of reach.
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